THE iconic Noah's Ark at Chester Zoo has been moved ahead of being restored to its former glory by a community project.
Located on the roundabout where the zoo's entry road joins the A41, the ark had originally been part of a Cheshire West and Chester Council submission to the RHS Tatton Flower Show in 2009.
Now, after being enjoyed for years outside the zoo by passersby, the tired and worn wooden structure will be given a new lease of life.
Yesterday (Wednesday, July 20), the ark was lifted from its location and transported to Changing Lives Together, a community-focused social enterprise and charity in Winsford which supports people and organisations across the county.
It will now become an exciting project for their Community Shed group (formerly known as Men in Sheds) who work on woodworking, woodturning and upcycling projects, as they share skills, socialise and make new friends.
Cllr Richard Beacham, the council's cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration, said: "I am really grateful to Community Sheds for stepping up to the challenge of restoring the ark.
"I know many people were sad to hear that it is being removed from the roundabout, but now we can find a new home for it in Chester once it has been restored."
Facilities and development director at Chester Zoo, Cathy Lunn, said: "It’s wonderful to hear that Changing Lives Together in Winsford will be bringing together local groups of all ages in the community to work on the restoration of the ark.
"We will be working closely with the council on creating a more fitting replacement on the roundabout that really highlights Chester Zoo’s role as a global science and conservation charity that is preventing extinction."
Jo Garner, head of community development at Changing Lives Together, said: "We are thrilled to be involved in the Noah’s Ark project, it will be a fabulous project for the Community Shed group.
"We would love to get schools in the borough involved in designing the revamped ark, a project we’re calling ‘ArkWork’.
"We are looking for designs based on recycling, environment and conservation and the final design will draw on all the ideas we receive."
If your school would like to get involved, please get in touch with Changing Lives Together by emailing ArkWork@changing-lives-together.org.uk.
For more information on the ark project or joining the Community Shed (Winsford) please contact Changing Lives Together on 01606 827120.
Potential new locations for the revamped ark are currently being looked into.
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